Designs for China

Mathew Lui, partner with the Hong Kong office of Hirsch Bedner Associates.

"It is necessary anywhere that's developing. Every wealthy person wants to invest in a hotel. It's the Chinese dream. Some people will do everything themselves; it has become their hobby. They may have a lot of life experience, but they often don't know the first thing about how complicated running a hotel can be."

Lui uses the example of the shower stall in guestrooms - a common enough part of any hotel and one that most people think is a simple part of the architecture. Lui argues otherwise, rattling off all the elements that must be considered.

"The door of the shower has to open outwards, in case someone falls and needs emergency assistance while in there.

"How do we prevent water splashing everywhere? How do we make the drain more pleasant looking yet still easily maintained by housekeeping? How do we keep the floor non-slip but also with a glossy and attractive aesthetic?

"How big should the toiletry shelf be? Should we have a rainshower? Do we need a grab bar? It's a long checklist."

HBA has the design of showers along with all the other aspects of a hotel down to a science. The company also has an enviable record in China, with projects currently underway in second-tier cities such as Chengdu, Xiamen, Dalian and Hangzhou.